A name might be just a word, but it elicits feelings, memories, meanings, and histories associated with it.  When we feel like we need to live up to our names or live down a reputation that a name may convey, names potentially define or limit who and what we become.  Names can also affect our self-perceptions.  Most of us have likely pondered the idea of our given names and whether we would have chosen something different. In his first picture book, Thunder Boy Jr., Sherman Alexie features Thunder Boy, who explores the meaning of his name.  Initially, he celebrates its power and its uniqueness.  When heRead More →

The first time I picked up Moonday by Adam Rex I only looked at the pictures. BEAUTIFUL illustrations help to tell the story of the day the moon comes out of the sky and hangs in a girl’s backyard. It’s so imaginative and something I think most children wish would happen to them! I love how the story also follows the town and answers the question, what would happen in our town if the sun did not come up one day? This is the perfect book to aid in a teacher’s writing lessons. It would be great for teaching detail because the girl describes whatRead More →

“I’ll be all right, I’ll be all right, I’ll be all right some day.” So begin the words of a song deeply rooted in the Civil Rights history of our country. Beginning in the time of slavery and continuing until present day We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song-written by Debbie Levy and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton-takes readers on a journey of a song that positively influenced African American people as they fought for freedom and equal rights. The book would be a great addition to any elementary classroom studying Civil Rights as it touches on slavery, the fight for equal rights, theRead More →

If you’re looking for a fun, easy book for a beginning reader, this is it!  Duck, Duck, Moose! by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen with pictures by Noah Z. Jones would be a great addition to any new or beginning reader’s library. With only two words throughout the book, children have the opportunity to comprehend the story on their own by looking at the pictures. It is also a great story for teaching students about being good friends with anyone. The main characters, Duck and Moose, are opposites in every way but they are still best friends Posted by Dani R.Read More →

It’s time to go wild! In Mr. Tiger Goes Wild, author and illustrator Peter Brown tackles the tough topic of being unique. It’s the story of Mr. Tiger, who is bored with his life and looking for a change. Slowly but surely, Mr. Tiger begins to break away from the mold and become himself. Despite feeling alone, he continues to be his own person. Mr. Tiger Goes Wild is a story that teaches children to be confident in who they are, no matter what. See what happens as Mr. Tiger continues to change and takes a walk on the wild side!  Posted by Dani R.Read More →

Denise Fleming’s book Shout! Shout it Out! is a fantastic early learning participation book. Based on a very simple premise-if you know it, shout it out-a small mouse takes young learners through basics like the numbers 1-10, the ABC’s, identifying colors, animals and more. This book makes learning into a game, encouraging preschoolers to participate while featuring uniquely fun and bright artwork. The simple text clearly identifies every object on the pages and the precocious little mouse shows up on every page, so make sure to keep an eye out for him too! If you have an early learner in your household, or a classroom fullRead More →

Bear has lost his hat, and no one seems to know where it is (or maybe they just aren’t telling). Will he ever find his beloved hat? This deviously charming picture book is a must read. Kids will laugh and adults will smile when they read this adorably illustrated tale of a bear who learns that he must rely on his own observational skills and not just the words (sometimes truthful and sometimes not) of others. Klassen’s book delightfully depicts the creatures the bear comes across, from possums to rabbits, and the color palette of the book is beautifully done.  Everything enhances the simple dialogue and bringsRead More →

Suppose You Meet a Dinosaur: A First Book of Manners by Judy Sierra with illustrations by Tim Bowers, walks you through exactly what to do if you happen to meet a dinosaur while shopping at the grocery store. This manners book is a series of cute rhyming questions like: “Your shopping cart begins to spin. It dings the dino on the shin. She roars a terrifying roar. What do you tell the dinosaur?” With the answer displayed simply on the next page: “I’m sorry.” This cute little book teaches, through various scenarios involving a dinosaur in the grocery store: introducing yourself and saying goodbye andRead More →

Ribbit Rabbit by Candace Ryan, illustrated by Mike Lowery, is the story of two best friends, Frog and Bunny. They do everything together, swimming, eating peanut butter sandwiches, fighting monsters, and playing, but sometimes Frog and Bunny don’t get along. When they are apart, they learn that lots of things are more fun with your friends, so they eventually make their way back to each other, apologizing and playing on. This absolutely adorable picture book is great for young children. Its repetitive text, clever and simple word play, and cute illustrations perfectly depict how little things and big things can make you fight, but itsRead More →